In an object-based programming environment, the process of converting data or an object from binary form to its original form. For example, a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) processor embedded in Actuate BIRT iServer System deserializes the binary form of a remote procedure call (RPC) received from a client application into an Extensible Markup Language (XML)-based SOAP message. This message requests Actuate BIRT iServer System to perform a web service.